Combination of Space Syntax with Spacematrix and the Mixed Use Index

Paper i proceeding, 2012

At present, there are several spatial analyses tools available for analyzing the spatial properties of the built environment. Spacematrix’ focus is on various types of density on the urban block such as FSI, GSI, OSR (or spaciousness), network density (N) and the number of floors (L). The Space Syntax method is dealing with the degree of integration of the mobility network between urban blocks in terms of topological and geometrical distance, combined with metrical radiuses. The Function Mix model’s scope is on the degree of mix of functions in terms of dwellings, work places and amenities. The results from these various spatial analyses tools can be correlated with one another and with social‐economical data through GIS.
The above‐described methods were applied in the southern part of Rotterdam where the municipality wanted to test out various proposals for new bridges to the city’s northern (more successful) part. As the analyses from the existing situation show, there is a correlation between the degree of mix of functions, density and integration. The higher local as well as global angular integration on the street net, the higher density in terms of a high degree of FSI as well as GSI at adjacent buildings and the higher mix of functions inside these buildings. As the planners from the municipality acknowledge, these tools contributes to a much more fine‐grained strategic planning for the area than current Dutch planning practice does.